QLD RAINFOREST & REEF WILDLIFE EXPLORER

Day 1:

Cairns (D)Arrive in Cairns and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner. Hilton Cairns.

Day 2:

Daintree & Cape Tribulation (BLD)Depart Cairns and enjoy the magical Great Barrier Reef Drive as we head north on the scenic coastal highway. Learn about the unique habitats within the local environment and observe the changes in bio-diversity as we get closer to the Daintree Tropical Rainforest.Stop at Jindalba nature trail which offers an opportunity to experience the natural scenery and endemic wildlife within the National Park. Wildlife sightings may include the boyd’s forest dragon, southern cassowary, wompoo fruit dove, spectacled monarch, majors skink and many more. Enjoy lunch at Whet Restaurant, located in the heart of the Daintree. Continue to Cape Tribulation (where the rainforest meets the reef). This famous valley resembles a giant amphitheatre with a semicircle of hills dominated by Mt Sorrow (850m) and Mt Hemmant (1000m). The rainfall trapped by this valley results in a lush tropical climate with high temperatures, humidity and rainfall. There are several walks, scenic lookouts & beaches to discover. Heritage Lodge.

Day 3:

Maardja & Dubuji Boardwalks (BLD)After breakfast, join a visit to Maardja Boardwalk and Oliver Creek. The constantly changing scenery and vegetation along this boardwalk are captivating. The Marrdja Boardwalk is a looped walk that begins and ends at Oliver’s Creek, a glistening stream that emerges from beneath the thick rainforest canopy. Next stop is Dubuji Boardwalk - The Place of Spirits. This 1.3km loop track goes through forest, mangroves, fan palms and over spring fed creek. Spot azure and little kingfishers darting into shallow pools from overhanging branches and watch orange-footed scrubfowl scratching on the forest floor. After lunch, we recommend a swim in the azure waters of Emmagen Creek before settling in at our lodge. Heritage Lodge.

Day 4:

Tropical Wetlands SER (BLD)Grab our gear for an early start to maximise our wildlife viewing pleasure on the Daintree River. A short drive of 30 minutes will have us at our cruise location. Cruise the Daintree River with the dawn light, spotting wildlife on a quiet, clean solar electric boat. Get closer to nature - hear, smell & experience without noise & fumes. There is a high success rate for spotting crocodiles, excellent bird watching and other wildlife possibilities on this cruise.After lunch at The Highlander Tavern, visit the Forever Wild Shared Earth Reserve (SER). The wildlife on the Tropical Wetlands SER is incredibly diverse and has some of the highest avian diversity anywhere in Australia, boasting over 220 species. Tonight we stay in exclusive safari tent accommodation with toilet and shower facilities. Enjoy an evening of star gazing and campfire! Glamping at the Tropical Wetlands SER.

Day 5:

Wildlife Spotting (BLD)We are up and about exploring the 5000-acre Wetlands Reserve. Contribute to research with your guides by conducting a bird count of the wetlands. Visit Lake Barrine, an outstanding location for nature activities. Several walks are available offering great wildlife and bird watching opportunities. Lunch is at the Tea House then we head to Yungaburra with one of our major focus points of the day, spotting wild Platypus! Learn about their elusive behaviour and get that perfect photo! In the afternoon arrive at the ancient Cathedral Fig Tree, one of the most amazing trees you will see in your life. Check in to your lodge. Chambers Wildlife Lodge.

Day 6:

Special Highlight - Australian Quoll Conservancy (B)Today we have an opportunity to work with industry experts & assist with valuable research that will aid in the preservation of FNQ’s endangered wildlife! This behind the scenes tour provides a unique chance to enter research locations not accessible to the public to observe the endangered Spotted-tailed Quoll. Join expert research guides in the rainforest & take part in their research projects. The Spotted-tailed Quoll is the largest marsupial mammal in the world. After this experience, return to Cairns Hilton Cairns.

Day 7:

Great Barrier Reef Cruise (BL)Today you head out to experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef on our personal sailing reef and island tour. Sail, snorkel and scuba dive aboard personalised tours with professional crew. Explore Green Island & Pinnacle Reef in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Enjoy lunch onboard. Hilton Cairns.

Day 8:

Depart Cairns (B)After breakfast, transfer to your onward flight.

• 8 days exclusive touring

• 7 nights accommodation

• 7 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 dinners

• Private guide/driver with guiding and wildlife experience

• Modern comfortable vehicle

• Daintree River cruise

• Special Highlight - Australian Quoll Conservancy Experience

• Tours as per Itinerary

• Tour Escort* Maximum 6 Guests